Ducati "Monster" Evolves into 5th Generation! V2" engine mounted on a new monocoque chassis

Debuting at the 1992 Cologne Motor Show, the Ducati Monster created the concept of the naked sportbike and gave birth to an entirely new segment. over more than 30 years of evolution, the Monster has never lost its identity and has constantly evolved. Now, the fifth generation Monster model, announced for the 2026 model year, is now available with the V2 engine mounted on a newly designed chassis.

Inheriting the Monster's tradition while wearing a new design

The "Monster" has been equipped with a wide range of engines, from the air-cooled 2-valve engine to the Desmo Quattro and Testastretta, and has continued to carry on the spirit of the first generation while accumulating technological and stylistic innovations with each generation. Now, the fifth-generation Monster, introduced for the 2026 model year, is equipped with Ducati's new V2 engine, a new Ducati innovation, and has undergone a normal evolution as a "naked sports bike" due to its reduced weight. Everything about the 5th generation "Monster" has been completely redesigned, from the engine to the chassis. From the distinctive fuel tank and headlight to the one-piece seat and short tail, the design is a modern reinterpretation of the original Monster's style, slimmer, sportier, and more compact.

The headlight, the true face of the bike's design, is a modern, full-LED type. The front end is short and very compact, to be placed "recessed" between the shoulders of the fuel tank. The fuel tank is the Monster's most distinctive design element, blending extremely modern visuals with homages to iconic models of the past, such as the front air intake. The air intakes serve the dual functions of cooling the tank and increasing the steering angle, creating the sculpted, powerful appearance that characterizes Monster's fuel tanks. The side panel covers are designed to be narrower to improve ground contact with the road surface and to improve thermal comfort by channeling hot air from the radiator outward. The textured surface improves grip and keeps the rider in position when braking, reducing the strain of sport riding. The lower part of the cover features the Ducati shield, elevating a technical detail into an important styling element. The tail design features a seat and trellis-structured subframe, one of Monster's design icons along with the fuel tank. The seat height is 815 mm, lower than the previous model, and can be lowered to 775 mm by combining a low seat and lowered suspension. The narrower seat design also contributes to improved leg room. The handlebars are positioned higher and forward for a more relaxed riding position as well as a greater sense of control in sporty riding.

Equipped with Ducati's new-generation V2 engine

The V2 engine, equipped with the IVT (Intake Variable Timing System), is lightweight (5.9 kg lighter than the previous Testastretta Evoluzione model) and delivers high performance. It also features extremely low running costs, with a maintenance interval of 45,000 km for valve clearance inspections. The belt-driven Desmodromic engine that was installed in previous generations was a symbol of Ducati, but its cost in terms of maintenance was a bottleneck. The V2 engine, which is free from the maintenance fee concerns, will be a catalyst for the creation of more Ducati users. The specifications of the V2 engine mounted on the Monster are maximum output of 111 PS at 9000 rpm (110.7 PS in the U.S. specifications) and maximum torque of 91.1 Nm at 7250 rpm, with the IVT providing stable rpm at low rpm, a powerful mid-range rpm, and power at high rpm. The IVT delivers more than 80% of its maximum torque from 4000 to 10000 rpm. With Monster's traditional responsive power delivery and a comprehensive and sophisticated electronic control system, the V2 engine safely delivers performance without overburdening the rider. The transmission is the DQS (Ducati Quick Shift) 2.0 from the new Panigale V4, which allows for quick shifting without the need for a clutch.

With a new monocoque frame and swingarm

The Monster's bodywork consists of a monocoque frame with the V2 engine as part of the chassis, a double-sided swingarm inspired by the Ducati hollow swingarm used on the Panigale V4, and a steel and GFRP (fiberglass reinforced polymer) composite trellis structure The rear sub-frame consists of a composite trellis structure of steel and GFRP (fiberglass reinforced polymer). This combination of technical design and engine results in the new Monster being an additional 4 kg lighter than the previous model, with a total weight of 175 kg excluding fuel. The front and rear suspension is by Showa, with 43mm diameter inverted forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear, offset on the left side of the chassis. The suspension has been specially tuned to provide both comfort for everyday use and sportiness in various road conditions, embodying the dual nature of the Ducati naked. This allows the new Monster to combine greater stability while maintaining agility and driving pleasure. The braking system is by Brembo, with dual 320mm diameter front discs + M4.32 radial calipers and special pads. It also features Brembo PR18/21 radial master cylinders, which combine excellent braking power with best-in-class braking power, and were specially developed to provide both soft initial braking action and high braking power. The tires are Diablo Rosso IV in sizes 120/70 front and 180/55 rear, and these top-of-the-line Pirelli road-use tires provide excellent grip and safety. With these features, the Monster is not only safe and fun to ride in sporty conditions, but also offers excellent maneuverability in city traffic.

Electronic equipment for more comfortable riding

Specially designed to simplify and enhance riding in all conditions, the four riding modes can be changed at the touch of a button. Sporty riders can enjoy the punch of the engine in "Sport" mode and at the same time benefit from the safety of electronic control systems including DTC (Ducati Traction Control), DWC (Ducati Wheely Control), EBC (Engine Brake Control) and cornering ABS benefits. At the same time, inexperienced riders and riders who enjoy riding around town on their Monster will be able to ride as they wish, thanks to the "Road" and "Urban" riding modes. There is also a "Wet" riding mode for rainy weather, with a particularly smooth response, more powerful intervention from DTC, DWC, ABS, and the EBC engine braking system, and limited maximum power output to 95 PS. A new petal-shaped joystick on the left side of the steering wheel provides easy access to the "Ducati Multimedia System" and a 5-inch TFT display pre-set up for turn-by-turn navigation. The dashboard is always clearly readable thanks to a display based on dual modes (day and night) and road and road pro information modes. These modes allow the rider to concentrate on riding by optimizing the visibility of the most relevant information depending on the situation.

The new Monster will be available in two colors, Ducati Red and Iceberg White. In addition to the standard Monster, a Monster+ model with a windshield and passenger seat cover will also be available and will go on sale in February 2026.

Monster/Monster+ main specifications (2026)

Wheelbase: 1492mm ・Seat Height: 775mm (Japanese specifications) ・Car Weight: 175kg ・Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve V-Twin 890cc ・Max Power: 111PS (81.6kWPS)/9000rpm ・Max Torque: 91.1N-m (9.3kgm)/7250rpm Maximum Torque: 91.1 Nm (9.3 kgm) / 7250 rpm - Transmission: 6-speed return - Fuel tank capacity: 14 liters - Brakes: F = disc, R = disc - Tires: F = 120/70-17, R = 180/55-17 [new car] Mounting the "V2" engine on a new monocoque chassis, the Ducati Monster sports naked evolves into its fifth generation (23)